Business activity in Islamabad grinds to a halt

[LahoreEstate]

ISLAMABAD: The growing political uncertainty and announcement of long march has severely hampered the business activity in the city.

The issue of the movement started by the PML–N to campaign for the restoration of judges and undertake a long march are affecting business activities and day-to-day life, which cry out for urgent solutions.

Malik Sohail Hussain, the Vice President of the Traders Welfare Association of Islamabad said that the business community is under stress due to sliding business activities and heightening uncertainty in the country.

‘Different ongoing movements in country have added to the problems of trading community and dented businesses beyond repair,’ said Mr Sohail. ‘We are feeling insecure due to false assurances provided by those who matters.’

‘Politicians are trying to make traders a party. We face wrath of administration if we decide to go for a strike. And we have to bear vandalism and threats if we decide to keep businesses open. The opposition parties starts making lists of traders to teach them a lesson.’

He said that political workers should stop threatening trading community and get their issues resolved peacefully.

At the meeting, the business leaders said that whole country is burning, innocent are being killed and no one is feeling secure but our leaders are playing flute like Nero.

‘Traders are fed up of power struggle between politicians, leg pulling among top bureaucracy, lawlessness, rent control mechanism, evictions and dirty tactics of many departments,’ said Malik.

Malik Sohail said threats of politicians have not only harassed traders but also further divided them. He appealed those who are at the helm to take steps for tranquillity in country and bailout business community. ‘We are at a dead-end; we have a right to get opportunities for advancement’, he added.

http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/Dawn...a-halt--il